Date: February 12, 2001 Rehearsal at Mount Royal United Church!

David Wright was awesome. During the chorus coaching session last Saturday morning, we were on the receiving end of a wealth of knowledge from Dr. Jim Henry. He got us singing like one voice per section, and it appeared that there was a reasonably high level of transference to Monday night's rehearsal with David Wright.

David was not ready to accept anything less than our best. It was interesting to note that we were able to maintain that level all evening. I am willing to bet that Rob Mance will not be ready to accept anything less than our best all evening either. Can you imagine how well we can perform if all of us make the commitment to know our words and notes and then sing with commitment and energy every time! This Monday is the first opportunity to test out this idea. Let's all do it right, every time!

Singing Valentines. Have you sold some Singing Valentine's? Are you ready to sing in a quartet? Talk to Jerry Silverberg, our Singing Valentine chairman, and find out how you can help. St. Valentine's Day is this Wednesday!

Wanted - Music Librarian. We are looking for someone to take on the position of Music Librarian. Bud Robar has decided to devote his time to the South Shore Chapter, where he is VP, Music and Performance. Bud did a great job in keeping our music in order and making sure that members got a copy of each piece. Ron Dawson assisted Bud, but he has been away ill, as you know. If you are interested, speak to Alan Kenley, our VP, Music and Performance.

Joker's Wild retiring at our show! 1994 International Champions, Joker's Wild will be ending their career together our 2001 Show on June 9, 2001. They are truly going to be missed. We need to tell everyone about this final opportunity to see them. It is yet another reason to sell out this year's show.

You want a CD or tape? When Andrew Wheaton asks you that question, you can tell him either or both, but tell him something, since Andrew is our Learning Assistance Device person. Andrew will make sure that you have what you need to learn our new songs. Please let him know if you have any special requirements, such as a mono tape player.

Pay-as-you-go Joe - The total dues for a regular member of the Greater Montreal Chapter are $180.00 per year. We pay our dues either once a year for the coming year on our renewal date, or we can use the Pay-as-you-go-Joe system. All members who have paid their December 31 dues (in full) can then start to pay $15 per month for 2001. This helps us with our current cash flow problems, and makes the bite less painful. The $15 Monthly payment hardly hurts. (Nor does the $45.00 quarterly payment, if you prefer that.) This is encouraged for all members of the Chapter. Even if your renewal is at the end of March, June or September, you can still take advantage of the system. You can catch up by paying $15.00 for each of the months you have missed.

If you pay $15.00 at the first rehearsal every month, you make the payment process painless. Start NOW.

Post-dated cheques payable to Island City Chorus can be given to Ray Watkins, Chapter Treasurer.

"Have I got a great idea!" Please talk to Jerry Silverberg about any other fund raising ideas you may have. He is willing to consider just about anything that you would like to do (that isn't illegal!)

It would be a wonderful idea for us to have enough fundraisers that we have something that everyone likes to do. That way there would be no nagging from the front each week. That isn't fun for anybody.

Will sing for money. The Chapter is always in need of funds, and good fund raising ideas. Obviously singing is an ideal way to raise money. If you know of a group that is looking for some excellent entertainment at a reasonable price, refer them to Alan Kenley at 514-341-7171.

"Share the Dream!" It's as easy as 1-2-3. Are you having fun each week? Don't you want to share the fun with others? If not, speak to someone about what would make our rehearsals and chapter meetings more fun! Did you take the time to ask someone to come and try our form of music during the holidays? You know people who would have a great time singing with us. Ask them. The worst thing that can happen is they will say, "No." Then you can ask them again another time. We want to encourage people who can sing, to come and enjoy the fun we have every week.

Remember what got you into singing barbershop? In most cases it was because a friend, neighbour, co-worker, family member etc. asked you to come out once. After that first encounter, you were probably hooked. We are at a stage where we want to attract good singers to add to the great sound we are producing. Take the time to ask a friend to come and share our hobby. They will need to be motivated and able to sing, obviously, but the rewards are many and fun. Sharing is a good thing, so let's do it. It's as Easy as 1-2-3.

Practice is something we do at home, every day, between rehearsals!

Rehearsal is where we reinforce what we have been practising every day!